Jacques Cousteau called it “the purest part of the Mediterranean.”
Sophia Loren said it’s like “the most beautiful fairytale of my childhood.”
And George Bernard Shaw wondered whether he was “on paradise or on the moon.”
“Europe’s Secret Riviera” has a way of taking you under its spell.
This little corner of southern Europe, once ruled by the Romans, is packed with Old World charm…
From the foothills of its dramatic mountains, the views over the crystal-clear bay are out of this world…
This place has warm weather most of the year… its cobblestone streets are some of the safest you can wander… and it’s very welcoming of foreigners.
Best of all, a couple can live the good life here from $1,700 a month… which makes it one of the most affordable places to spend time on the Continent. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about Montenegro.
It’s a place most North Americans—and even many Europeans—know little about…
But I’ve been watching it closely since my first visit back in the early 2000’s.
Back then, it was a new state—freshly split from neighboring Serbia and fighting to assert itself. As it continues upward—and with EU membership as soon as next year—I’ve been impressed by all this tiny nation has achieved… and at all it offers the would-be expat…
Here, you can rent a one- or two-bed apartment just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town for about $600 per month… or buy your own place from as little as $60,000… A three-course meal for two at a local spot costs around $40 (including wine)…
A hearty breakfast is under $10… a cappuccino is less than $2… and you can enjoy a pizza slice for $3… If you’re attracted by the Old World…
And the chance to live a sophisticated lifestyle at a low cost… Then you owe it to yourself to explore this emerging haven… while it’s still affordable… and while its doors are wide open.
Kotor Bay, in the southwest of the country, has a unique geography, full of nooks and crannies that together make up one of the most dramatic areas of the Adriatic Sea. Gorgeous views of the sea and mountains are a given from any spot.
Despite all that, Montenegro remains undiscovered and unknown. We think it’s time that changed. For my money, this gorgeous outpost should be at the top of your list if you like life in the Old World.
It’s definitely at the top of mine… thanks to its:
1. Stunning Scenery
Picture towering mountains that plunge down into crystalline Adriatic waters and white-stone historical villages. Jaw-dropping vistas are available from almost every vantage point.
2. Sea Access
The Adriatic is the same body of water that laps the shores of southeastern Italy. It’s a part of the Mediterranean. The waters are clear and warm, perfect for swimming, boating, any water-based recreation… or just for providing a beautiful backdrop for daily life.
If you’re arriving here on your own yacht or sailboat you can moor in one of the many prestigious marinas… In Kotor, there is Marina Prcanj and Marina Kotor; in Tivat, Porto Montenegro and Marina Bonici; and in Herceg Novi, Portonovi Marina.
3. A Mix Of Old And New
There are charming historical villages dotted around the bay (Kotor Old Town and Perast), normal neighborhoods (Kotor and Tivat’s main areas), as well as modern luxury developments where everything is new, high-end, and flashy (Porto Montenegro).
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4. Historical Ambiance
Kotor Old Town is the best-preserved medieval town on the Med. It’s a compact, triangular area that you access through three gateways. It’s dense with ancient architecture, plazas, and churches. Behind it, crumbling city walls zigzag up the steep mountain; in front of it is the sea.
5. Diverse Recreation Opportunities
Montenegro is small but geographically diverse. You can ski the slopes in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon. Everyone points out how underrated it is for natural attractions.
In the Bay of Kotor, it’s all about the sea. You can do any type of water-based sport you like. The boating lifestyle specifically is a major draw.
Land-based attractions include hiking in the hills that surround Kotor Bay. An easy afternoon hike starts in Kotor Old Town and takes you up the mountain slope behind it, passing the old crumbling city walls and other ruins as you ascend.
Austro-Hungarian fortresses lie scattered in the hills and forests surrounding Kotor. Visiting them combines a hike and a little historical education…
Within a couple hours’ drive of Kotor Bay, there are several national parks. Lovcen National Park has peaks of 1,749 meters (5,738 feet), which you can hike up. Durmitor National Park is UNESCO-recognized and contains Europe’s deepest gorges.
There are two main ski resorts: Ski Resort Kolasin 1450 and Ski Resort Savin Kuk, with smaller ski centers nearby. Facilities, like equipment rentals, ski-lifts, ski schools, and more, are all set up here. Montenegro has big potential as Europe’s next ski destination.
6. Safety
You can feel completely comfortable walking around at any time of day or night, without any fear of crime. Locals tell me this is thanks to the small population. Everyone knows everyone, so it’s hard to get away with bad behavior.
7. Easy Residency And Citizenship
For now, setting up a life in Montenegro is simple, with easy residency policies and even a direct path to citizenship. Current policies are not set in stone, however…
8. EU Accession
Montenegro is likely to be one of the next countries to enter the EU, which will bring great things to this little haven. If you can set up residency or citizenship before this happens, you’ve got your foot in the door of the EU, meaning access and the right to live in 27 other countries.
9. Low Cost Of Living
Property, rent, utilities, meals, and more are affordable in Montenegro. You can almost certainly lower your current cost of living by moving here—a budget of 1,500 to 2,000 euros per month will see a couple living comfortably here.
Property prices vary from town to town, with Kotor Old Town and Tivat’s seafront drag costing the most compared to the villages scattered around the bay. You can rent a small, one- or two-bed apartment in Kotor Old Town for about 800 euros per month.
Other expenses, like utilities, are low, too… One expat quoted me 40 euros per month for electric and water…
In Montenegro you’ll enjoy mild temperatures year-round as well as access to untouched nature…
You’ll be able to choose the lifestyle that suits you best among a diverse array of opportunities…
You’ll have a friendly expat community to lean on if culture shock becomes overwhelming at any point…
And you’ll be making a smart move, as property and rent are still cheap and can get you residency and potentially a backdoor to the EU…
It’s been too long since I put boots on the ground here. I’m planning a return trip asap.
Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
